La magie de l'amour

'The Magic of Ordinary Days' - the phrase itself is so evocative and beautiful! I didn't know anything about this film or the actors, but when I read the title I knew I had to see it! I loved the languorous feel of this film - everything was tranquil and measured as if the people who had invited you into their home wanted you to take your time and internalize it! I also liked the music. It added a lot to the film! The story had depth and the characters were well etched and rendered by both Keri Russell and Skeet Ulrich. Ulrich especially was amazing! He rendered his character with great subtlety, control and grace. Keri Russell was also really good in her role. Both the actors succeeded in evoking empathy and as an audience you really wanted them to be together and not be parted!

Brent Shields has almost become synonymous with Hallmark, he's either produced or directed most of the Hallmark films I've liked! I really appreciate Hallmark for making such films! Amongst all the pretentious films around, they have consistently made small, meaningful and memorable films! I'm glad that they truly believe in their tag line "Where great stories come to life"!

I was at home one day a few weeks ago, off sick from work, and caught this movie during the day on one of our movie channels. I was expecting it to be sugary sweet - enough to make your teeth hurt - but the sweetness was restrained. I really enjoyed this movie! The plot was well-written, the character were wholly believable and it was not totally predictable. It made me want to be swept off by a big-hearted country gentleman. Haven't seen Skeet in a while, and was pleasantly surprised by his work in this movie. I've always liked Keri Russell (I think it may be curly-hair envy). Definitely a chick-flick, but one that I would like to own and watch more than once. Well done!

I liked "The Magic of Ordinary Days" very much because of a combination of things. Set in Colorado in 1944, the movie follows Livy, wonderfully played by Keri Russell. After a brief relationship with a soldier, Livy finds herself pregnant. Her father, a minister, arranges for her to marry a farmer who lives in rural Colorado, but Livy is not happy with the situation, especially since she was pursuing a masters degree in Denver. Ray, the farmer, is willing to marry her and raise the baby with her though. Skeet Ulrich is the shy Ray and is also absolutely wonderful in the role. Russell and Ulrich are great together, even though Livy and Ray seem quite mismatched in the beginning. The movie shows the progression of their relationship as Livy's eyes are opened by the love that surrounds her: from Ray and from his sister and her family, but especially from Ray. Ulrich gives his character a love for Livy so deep that he would do anything for her. Their relationship is tested though when Livy's sister visits and offers to take her back to Denver.

I usually find Hallmark movies to be quite cheesy, but "The Magic of Ordinary Days" is a love story given great depth and played out beautifully by Russell and Ulrich. I recommend it to anyone looking for a cute, feel-good movie with very good acting.

I was very eager to see this film and I wasn't disappointed. This is a great chick flick film, especially for those who love period dramas. It was a wonderful experience to watch 2 people thrust together to find contentment, and then love. Keri Russell and Skeet Ulrich were wonderful as the newly married couple. The only downside to this film was the subplot involving the Japanese interment girls. It took away from the pace of the film. The rest of the supporting cast filled in nicely. There was indeed some magic in this film. Some may argue its to fake for their taste, but I loved the film. Overall it was a wonderful film. I give it 7.5 out of 10 stars! I can't wait till it comes out on DVD!

There's almost an Edna Ferber type of rural romantic fiber lurking in THE MAGIC OF ORDINARY DAYS, about a pregnant young woman (Keri Russell) whose father arranges a marriage for her with a farmer (Skeet Ulrich), an arrangement which leads very slowly to their mutual love.

It reminds me so much of the sort of tales Ferber would tell, particularly "So Big" which starred Jane Wyman and Sterling Hayden years ago, as a couple who gradually adjust to each other in a strained relationship.

Beautifully photographed in rural settings, it's almost a two-character tale, depending exclusively on the subtle performances of Ulrich and Russell. Both display talent, utterly convincing as the shy newlyweds who have trouble with the new arrangement until they manage to find common ground and mutual respect.

It's a slow moving character study, but worth a look if you like this sort of intimate tale, helped somewhat by the WWII subplot involving Japanese girl neighbors who befriend the wife, but never going too far astray of the central theme of loneliness on the part of two people searching for love.

Summing up: A much better than average Hallmark Hall of Fame TV movie.